The Qatari government has extended the validity period for the multiple-entry work visa (MEWV) for nationals of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Key Points:

  • The updated regulation takes effect immediately and extends the MEWV validity period to a maximum of 12 months.
  • The updated validity period is up from the previous maximum duration of 180 days.
  • Foreign nationals from these countries are now subject to updated application rules, including medical and biometric procedures now required at Qatar Visa Centers in their country of residence.

Additional Information: Qatar has introduced new services at its visa centers in recent years, and Visa Support Services department officials have stated that medical test services for MEWVs are now available to meet these new requirements. Additional changes for sponsoring companies are now in effect as well, and non-Qatar Financial Centre Freezone organizations must submit employment contracts with salary details as part of the MEWV application.

BAL Analysis: The increased validity period may attract more foreign nationals from these countries to apply for MEWVs, and individuals and sponsoring companies should be aware of the new requirements when applying.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

Qatari government officials announced that the validity period for Hayya cards has been extended until Feb. 24.

Key Points:

  • The last entry date will be Feb. 10. The extension applies to World Cup Hayya entry visas or entry visas approved through the online platform.
  • The visas allow for multiple entry, use of the Immigration Counter for entry and exit via the country’s ports and the ability to invite up to three family members or friends.

Additional Information: The Hayya card was created as an entry permit into Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament. The government is extending the validity of the Hayya card so visa holders can attend the AFC Asian Cup Qatar in January as well as other state-sponsored events.

BAL Analysis: The Hayya card allows immigration officials to streamline the entry process for fans and visitors in accordance with applicable visa rules and regulations. This extension should make it easier for travelers to arrive and attend additional sporting events and activities hosted by the state.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Qatari government has expanded the mandatory health scheme to holders of multiple-entry work visas.

‌Key Points:

  • All visitors to Qatar are advised to purchase health insurance policies before entering the country, but those staying for more than 30 days are now required to have health insurance. All mandatory insurance need to be obtained prior to arrival, no matter the duration of stay in country.
  • Foreign nationals applying for multiple-entry work visas must obtain a health insurance policy from one of the Ministry of Public Health-approved companies. The list of approved companies can be found on the MOPH website, but the insurance should be obtained from the insurance company’s website or office.
  • The policies must be valid up until the visa expires.

‌Background: In 2022, Qatar issued a regulation requiring employers to obtain minimum basic health insurance from approved Qatari insurers for all employees. Requiring multiple-entry visa holders to be insured marks an expansion of that regulation.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Qatari government recently expanded its Hayya platform to accept business and tourism visa applications.

Key Points:

  • As of May 1, foreign nationals can now use the Hayya platform to apply for visas for unpaid business activities, tourism and medical treatment.
  • Currently, Gulf Cooperation Council residents and those traveling with them, those who are eligible for Electronic Travel Authorization and visa-required foreign nationals can use the Hayya platform.
  • Foreign nationals cannot perform paid business activities in Qatar while on a visa granted through the Hayya platform.

Additional Information: Hayya Card holders can continue to visit Qatar until Jan. 24, 2024, if they meet the requirements outlined here. More information regarding the Hayya platform is available here.

BAL Analysis: Qatari authorities expanded the use of the Hayya platform to allow more foreign nationals to visit the country throughout the next year.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Qatari government has introduced new online work permit and visa services.

Key Points:

  • Individuals can now use new online immigration services to apply, renew or cancel a work permit, as well as apply, renew or amend a labor recruitment approval.
  • To apply, renew or cancel a work permit online, individuals must have:
    • A residence permit with at least three months’ validity.
    • Certificates of academic qualification, good conduct and behavior, and practicing professions.
    • Their employer’s address.
  • Individuals will no longer need to visit the Ministry of Labor’s headquarters or external offices to apply, renew or cancel a work permit.

Additional Information: More information regarding the requirements to use the online work permit and visa services is available here.

BAL Analysis: Qatari authorities introduced the new online services as part of their effort to digitalize work permit and visa application processes to streamline and expedite immigration procedures.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The governments of Qatar and Japan have agreed to introduce a mutual visa waiver program.

Key Points:

  • Beginning April 2, nationals of Qatar and Japan will be able to travel to each other’s countries for up to 30 days without a visa.
  • Qatari nationals must preregister at any Japanese embassy or consulate to obtain visa free entry; once registered, Qatari national will be able to enter Japan without a visa for thirty consecutive days for three years.
  • Travelers will not be able to enter the country without a visa for business purposes.
  • Qatari authorities have yet to publish official requirements for Japanese nationals at this time.

BAL Analysis: Qatari and Japanese nationals will be able to more easily travel to each other’s countries once the visa waiver program takes effect. Those entering Qatar or Japan through the visa waiver program are reminded that conducting paid activities is prohibited.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Qatari government recently extended the validity of Hayya Cards that were used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals holding a Hayya Card can continue visiting Qatar until Jan. 24, 2024, if they have:
    • A passport with at least three months’ validity.
    • Proof of a hotel booking or confirmed housing with family or friends through the online Hayya Portal.
    • Health insurance for their entire time in Qatar.
    • A return ticket.
  • Foreign nationals do not need to apply for an extension and can bring up to three friends or family during their stay.
  • Foreign nationals who enter Qatar with the Hayya Card cannot conduct paid business activities during their stay.
  • More information regarding the Hayya Card is available here.

BAL Analysis: Qatar authorities extended the validity of Hayya Cards to allow more foreign nationals to visit the country throughout the next year. Travelers are reminded that paid business activities are not permitted with the Hayya Card.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Qatari government recently implemented the first phase of its mandatory health insurance requirements for visitors.

Key Points:

  • As of Feb.1, all visitors must have proof of a Qatari health insurance policy to apply for or extend a visitor visa.
  • Qatari health insurance can be purchased for 50 QAR (about US$14) from MOPH-registered health insurance companies or through this website.
  • Foreign nationals will not be required to purchase health insurance from Qatar if they have proof of a valid international health insurance policy that includes coverage in Qatar.

Additional Information: The Qatari government has made no announcement on when further phases will be implemented; the phases are expected to require private companies to provide mandatory healthcare insurance for all of their employees.

BAL Analysis: The new health insurance requirements are intended to alleviate the challenges facing the healthcare sector by incorporating both public and private healthcare providers.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Qatari government recently resumed its visa-free entry program for 95 countries following the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Key Points:

  • As of Jan. 1, foreign nationals of countries listed under Qatar’s visa-free entry program, including Australia, Canada, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the United States and most EU countries, no longer need a Hayya Card to enter the country.
  • Qatari authorities will no longer accept the Hayya Card as a means to enter the country.
  • Foreign nationals can use this website to check their eligibility for the visa-free program and their permitted duration of stay in Qatar.
  • Travelers can now use the Abu Samra border crossing, as it has resumed normal operations. To avoid complications, travelers should complete the vehicle insurance requirements before crossing the border through this website.

BAL Analysis: Qatari authorities have resumed regular travel and entry regulations as the 2022 World Cup has ended. Foreign nationals should ensure they are eligible for visa-on-arrival or obtain an entry visa before traveling to the country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Qatari government recently eased its Hayya Card entry policies for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Key Points:

  • As of Dec. 6, nationals and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can enter Qatar without registering on the Hayya platform or holding a World Cup ticket.
  • Beginning Dec. 8, nationals and residents of GCC countries can enter the country using their own private vehicles. Until Dec. 8, such individuals can only travel by bus to Qatar.
  • To use a private vehicle to enter Qatar after on or after Dec. 8, individuals must apply through this website at least 12 hours before entering the country.

Additional Information: Neighboring countries, including Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have implemented temporary World Cup entry policies. More information regarding the Hayya Card is available here.

BAL Analysis: Qatar authorities eased Hayya Card entry policies to simplify the entry process for nationals and residents of GCC countries. Nationals and residents of non-GCC countries are reminded that the Hayya Card will serve as a valid visa to enter Qatar from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 1, 2023. Foreign nationals attending the World Cup are encouraged to apply for the card as soon as possible to avoid possible delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.